Going 'green' in the backyard

Everyone loves the oasis of calm and beauty that's created by a nice green yard. But what about a yard that's "green" at the same time? There are a number of steps you can take to reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your backyard, and save yourself some time and money at the same time. Simple changes all add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started.

Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn in the first place. Instead, consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.

Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that are stingy water users. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful backyard plants that require a minimal amount of watering.

Add mulch or bark to planter areas: The addition of a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only looks nice and reduces weed growth, it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.

Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allow your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider the use of sprinkler timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.

Grow some of your own food: Planting a vegetable garden or adding some fruit trees to your yard will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to taking a little strain off your food budget, garden plants help cool the yard and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can add privacy and shade.

Watch your fertilizers: Talk with local garden and landscape experts to see what the best type of fertilizer and plant food is for your particular region and the types of plants you have. You can save money and reduce pollution by selecting the proper lawn and plant treatments, and using only as much of them as necessary. ...CONTINUED

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